Tackling aquatic invasive species introduced via biofouling – GloFouling task force reviews progress

The Global Project Task Force of the IMO-executed GloFouling Partnerships project, a collaboration between the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and IMO, met for its second meeting (11 to 13 April) at IMO Headquarters in London, United Kingdom.

The project addresses biofouling - the accumulation of algae, animals and microorganisms on the surface of ships. Biofouling plays an important role in the transfer of invasive aquatic species (IAS) from one region to another. Reducing biofouling contributes to the reduction of GHG emissions from ships.

Despite the restrictions imposed by the pandemic, the project moved many activities online and completed a number of reports since the first task force meeting in 2019. Looking ahead, the Project has been extended to 2025. A revised work plan and budget for 2022-2025 was agreed, with the inclusion of a key demonstration event on biofouling management in marine protected areas. This is likely to be conducted in the Galapagos Islands (Ecuador).

An R&D Forum and Exhibition on Biofouling Management, organized by IMO's GloFouling Partnerships, will be held from 11 to 14 October 2022, at IMO headquarters in London, United Kingdom (further details on how to participate will be available soon.)

During 2020-2021, three lead partnering countries in the project (Indonesia, Jordan, Philippines) delivered training through national institutions and nine others plan to do so during 2022.

All countries have completed national status assessment reports on biofouling management and established a national task force to lead action on biofouling. A number of regional awareness seminars took place online. In 2022, regional task force meetings are planned in four regions, with a view to developing the first draft of regional strategies and action plans.